Day: October 29, 2025

Manila: A total of 200 public transportation drivers plying different routes in Antique submitted to a surprise drug test under the “Oplan Harabas 2025” on Wednesday. ‘Oplan Harabas ensures the safety of the commuters during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observance,’ said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Provincial Officer, Intelligence Agent V Maria Melinda Panaguiton. This is to ensure that the drivers are drug-free, she said. According to Philippines News Agency, joining the activity, held at the Funda Dalipe transport terminal here, were personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, provincial

Manila: The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to helping the Philippines with its energy-sector projects given the economy’s rising demand and huge potential to be a regional player. In an interview on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) on Wednesday, Priyantha Wijayatunga, ADB Energy Sector Office Senior Director for Energy, mentioned that the multilateral lender ‘has not been engaged in the energy sector for some time in the Philippines’ but noted that ‘this is opening up and hopefully for a longer relationship.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Wijayatunga declined to give any figure on how

Manila: The Philippines and Canada are poised to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on November 2, as announced by the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday. The signing ceremony will see Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. representing the Philippines, while Minister of National Defense David McGuinty will sign on behalf of Canada. According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement will be submitted for Presidential ratification following its signing. The defense officials will conduct a joint press conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City shortly after their bilateral meeting and the signing of the SOVFA on

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, expressed her determination to continue working to significantly boost Japan’s defense capabilities and increase related spending. Takaichi called for creating a “new golden age” of the Japan-U.S. alliance together. Trump, on his first visit to Japan in six years, responded, “We are an ally at the strongest level.” According to Philippines News Agency, during the roughly 90-minute summit at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, in Tokyo, which included a working lunch, the prime minister stated that ‘Japan and the United States

Manila: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that criminal charges be filed against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, and other individuals linked to the suspected anomalous flood control projects. According to Philippines News Agency, in its Interim Report, the ICI also recommended the filing of charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Caloocan lawmaker Mary Cajayon-Uy. The report highlighted potential violations, including direct or indirect bribery, corruption of

Manila: Singaporean businesses are strengthening their tie-up with Philippine counterparts given the attractiveness of the Philippines’ energy sector, an official of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) said. According to Philippines News Agency, SEAS Executive Director Kavita Gandhi noted during an interview on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) that there are investors actively considering the Philippines. Gandhi remarked on the high tariffs in the Philippines, which she said are comparable to those in Singapore, creating opportunities for renewable energy ventures. Despite concerns over regulatory challenges in the Philippines, Gandhi emphasized that investor interest remains strong.